Not all bulalo dishes are created equal, and Sol Victoria’s Resto in Tagaytay City proves it with a twist that’s a thrill to the Pinoy taste buds: Kimchi Bulalo! This unexpected mashup just snagged the top spot at the inaugural Creative Bulalo Challenge in Tagaytay City, beating out 14 other entries.
Bulalo is a signature offering at many restaurants in Tagaytay, a popular tourist spot in South Luzon, but Sol Victoria’s took things up a notch by blending the comforting Pinoy classic with bold and spicy Korean flavors.
“We take pride [in] what we regard as our labor of love: The Kimchi Bulalo,” said Sol Victoria’s Tagaytay in a Facebook post.
According to the Cruzate family, who runs the restaurant along the ridge side of Maharlika Highway, the idea for Kimchi Bulalo was hatched in 2019 during a meal at a Korean restaurant. While enjoying their food, they began to brainstorm how to create a unique dish for their future Tagaytay restaurant.
“We prepare kimchi in-house, every batch is assuredly fresh and bursting with authentic flavors. This is sautéed together with tender beef shanks so that the ingredients can blend well and deepen the taste profile,” it said in a walk-through of how they prepare the award-winning dish.
The kimchi’s tangy, spicy kick is balanced by the rich, savory beef broth, creating a harmonious blend of Pinoy and Korean culinary traditions.
“This comfort food turns out to be deeply flavorful, meaning it just embodies everything we feel about cuisine. Every spoonful is a testament to quality and flavor commitment, and making this dish a must-try for all our guests,” the restaurant added.
In the competition, organized by the Tagaytay City Tourism Office, Juddies Bulaluhan secured second place for their Flying Bulalo Pares, while Summit Ridge Hotel came in third and also won the People’s Choice Award.
